Ralfs Freibergs

[Falcon Hockey Fan]

So, I did not realize what kind of player we had here. I can't wait to see him play for the Falcons because he is going to improve our defensive play by 100%. After doing some research on him, it looks like he is a very, very smart player. Doesn't score a bunch of goals, but is great at setting his teammates up. In the 11-12 season of Juniors, he had 43 points in 60 games, with 35 of those points being assists. Also, he played for Latvia in the World Juniors Tournament. I know Latvia isn't exactly the best country at hockey, but just to play in the World Juniors Tournament is a huge accomplishments in itself. With his eyes set on the NHL, this could be one of the best defensive players we have seen come through Bowling Green in a while. It is too bad we couldn't see him play this entire season, but we will get him just in time for the post-season. Can't wait to see this guy play some Falcon Hockey!

[BGhockeyfan94]

He should really help our Power Play out a bunch. He has great vision, and can see the ice like some other people can't. I cannot wait for him to play.

[Falcon Fanatic]

He should really help our Power Play out a bunch. He has great vision, and can see the ice like some other people can't. I cannot wait for him to play.

Anchoring the PP was supposed be one of his key areas for us. Like you, I can't wait to see him play!!

GO FALCONS!!!
BEAT THE BRONCOS!!!

[BGhockeyfan94]

Any thoughts on him now that we have seen him play in one game. He had an assist on the power play. Given this was his first game, I thought he played pretty well. It's hard to go from practice to game, and expect to be really good.

[pdt1081]

Any thoughts on him now that we have seen him play in one game. He had an assist on the power play. Given this was his first game, I thought he played pretty well. It's hard to go from practice to game, and expect to be really good.

He looked excited to be playing, and looked very confident on the ice. The assist technically came after the powerplay ended, but it was still before the player had joined the play.

He still needs to adjust to the college game, but watching him it seems as though it will be a very short learning curve. There's only a slight difference in rules that he needs to get used to. The D-men staying at the blueline instead of joining a fracas at the net is probably the biggest. As long as the D-men (or two players) stay back towards the blueline the faceoff stays inside the zone. If one or both join, the faceoff moves outside.

[SicSicalum]

A play I noticed w/Ralfs initiating....he had the puck just inside the blue line and fed a pass across the zone. First player (don't recall exactly whom) wound up and "intentionally" fanned, only to have the puck continue just inside the blue line to another (same lack of name) who promptly blasted a slap shot on net. Didn't go in, but in my 40+ years of Falcon hockey - don't ever recall seeing anything as such. Would love to see this play as a regular staple of our offense as both opposing goalie and/or defensemen don't know which point of attack to cover.

[BGFan]

A play I noticed w/Ralfs initiating....he had the puck just inside the blue line and fed a pass across the zone. First player (don't recall exactly whom) wound up and "intentionally" fanned, only to have the puck continue just inside the blue line to another (same lack of name) who promptly blasted a slap shot on net. Didn't go in, but in my 40+ years of Falcon hockey - don't ever recall seeing anything as such. Would love to see this play as a regular staple of our offense as both opposing goalie and/or defensemen don't know which point of attack to cover.

They have used that in the past. It's a 5 on 3 play. The biggest difference last night was in the execution. ND also used that the last time we played them.